1. My trip to Far Rockaway By Jordan Fisch

2. Why I went Although two years have passed since the hurricane, people today are still recovering because they were ignored by the government. Organizations like J- Teen and Westhab are one of the ways they get help. I wanted to help make a difference in someone’s life who was affected by hurricane Sandy and help them on the road to recovery.

3. Pictures of what I saw

7. What I accomplished This basement is where I worked. The family hasn’t been able to use it for the past two years. We did some mudding and sanding. Before we left, the lady whose basement we worked on thanked us for what we did. I felt like I had accomplished what I came here to do, that was to make the life of someone affected by hurricane Sandy better.

8. What was most meaningful We sent a message to the people of Far Rockaway; they have not been forgotten. When their request to have their houses rebuilt were denied, organizations like J-Teen and WestHab stepped in to help. While many people think Hurricane Sandy recovery is over, just look at the pictures. This is not over. These people need help and they need it now.

9. What I will takeaway for the rest of my life I am thankful that I was not majorly affected by Sandy. At the time, I saw Sandy as days off from school. For others, it was a nightmare they still haven’t recovered from. Yeah, a few trees fell down in my neighborhood, but I didn’t lose my house and I was not forced to live in a trailer for the past two years. The people of Far Rockaway are some of the strongest people I have ever met. One story I will always remember was the poem of a 10 year old girl. Her words were so shocking and horrifying. I can’t believe she went though something like Sandy.

10. What I have learned I remember the story the politician told when he overheard someone say: “Why is he still talking about Sandy, it was two years ago, move on.” It is hard to just move on when your house has been destroyed. I hope other people will continue to volunteer and help people affected by Sandy.

11. THE END